Beijing, China — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Japan to actively promote regional peace and stability during a meeting with former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Friday in Beijing.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, expressed appreciation for Fukuda’s contributions as the former chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia. He acknowledged Fukuda’s commitment to the forum’s development and his positive influence on regional cooperation.
Amid global changes and rising uncertainties, Wang emphasized that Asia has remained largely peaceful and stable with promising prospects for development. He stated, “The 21st century is the century of Asia.”
“I hope that Japan and other regional countries will take actions conducive to regional peace and stability, rather than the opposite, to jointly maintain peace and development in Asia,” Wang said.
The foreign minister expressed hope that Japan would address obstacles affecting the normal development of bilateral relations, such as the issue of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water discharge, in an appropriate manner. He urged Japan to adhere to a path of peaceful development and work collaboratively to promote stable and healthy bilateral ties.
Fukuda acknowledged the growing influence of the Boao Forum for Asia, noting that China’s promotion of good-neighborly diplomacy has achieved increasingly positive results. He conveyed that Japan-China friendship is a common choice for both countries and highlighted Japanese enterprises’ aspirations to invest and thrive in China.
“Japan is willing to work with China to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, jointly promote the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, and work together to maintain the momentum of peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia,” Fukuda said.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urges Japan to promote peace in Asia
cgtn.com
